Let’s Get Real with Stephen Jones Joseph Smith Expert: "My Biggest Discovery Happened While Out of The Church" | Don Bradley E0039
Aug 14, 2025
In this conversation, Don Bradley, a Joseph Smith expert and returned faithful Latter-day Saint, dives into his profound discoveries about Joseph's character and choices. He shares insights from Joseph's childhood surgery, revealing the deep-seated reasons behind his refusal of alcohol. Don also reflects on his personal journey of loss, connecting it with Joseph's experiences as a father. The discussion offers a fresh perspective on the complexities of faith and history, while exploring themes of love, loss, and the human connections that shape our understanding of historical figures.
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Context Explains The Alcohol Refusal
- Joseph Smith's refusal of alcohol during his childhood leg surgery isn't explained by later Word of Wisdom or temperance trends because neither existed yet.
- Don Bradley argues the refusal is best understood through family bonds and context, not modern assumptions.
The Brutal Childhood Surgery
- Lucy Mack Smith recounts seven‑year‑old Joseph screaming in agony as surgeons drilled and removed bone without anesthetic.
- He repeatedly insisted his mother leave and his father hold him during the operation to endure the pain.
Personal Mirror Intensified Discovery
- Don Bradley relates his own experience as a father with a seven‑year son when he first learned the surgery details.
- That personal perspective intensified his emotional conviction about Joseph's childhood actions.
